Glasgow is always a top travel destination for culture vultures. It has a superfluity of world-class museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, and several sites of historical interests littered in and around the city. The unique composition of the cultural sites and the blend of attractions they harbor is a strong testimony to the incredibly rich and diverse cultural heritage that the city and region boast. Consequently, when you visit the city of Glasgow in the UK, don’t let your entire itinerary be covered by castle visits alone. Spare some time to appreciate the city’s vibrant art scenes in some of the best art museums in Glasgow, like the ones listed below.
1. Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors to the public in 1996. It houses ever-changing scenes of artwork and exhibits featuring works by both local and international artists. The gallery is located in a neoclassical building believed to have been constructed in 1778 at the Royal Exchange Square. Visiting the gallery is free of any charges, and visitors are also allowed to explore the library located in the same building, as well as buy a couple of souvenirs from the gift shop.
Gallery of Modern Art
Address: Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, United Kingdom
Website: Gallery of Modern Art
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: Free
2. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the finest museums in Glasgow, and arguably in the entire country. The museum is home to more than 8,000 pieces of art, including one of the most impressive arms and armor collections in the world. The museum also has an extensive natural history section holding some of the continent’s greatest displays of civic art. This is not to mention the Supermarine Spitfire that hangs precariously from the ceiling and which has become one of the museum’s most iconic identities. If you are a lover of European artwork collections, then a visit to this museum will bring a lot of delight to your heart.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Address: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, United Kingdom
Website: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
3. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art
Matters spiritual aside, a visit to St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art is a must if you are ever in Glasgow. The museum sits strategically in Cathedral Square, just next to Provand’s Lordship and Necropolis. It is home to three permanent galleries that house a humongous variety of ancient artworks and artifacts about various aspects of religion from all faiths. It is the best place to increase your knowledge of the main religions of West Scotland – Protestantism and Catholicism (not football as some people have been made to believe). A trip to this magnificent museum will also be a good chance to appreciate the dexterously crafted Islamic calligraphic structures as well as the pontificate through the tiny details of the divinely serene Zen Garden. Then there is also the breathtaking carving of the god Shiva Nataraj – the Lord of the Dance – a structure of great religious importance to the Hindus.
St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art
Address: 2 Castle St, Glasgow G4 0RH, United Kingdom
Website: St. Mungo Museum Of Religious Life & Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
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4. The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is located in Pollock County Park and it features a humongous collection of more than 8,000 artifacts donated to the people of Glasgow by Sir William Burrell in 1944. Sir Burrell was an incredibly wealthy Scottish philanthropist and shipping merchant who was well known for his fine taste for high quality and unique antiques and fine arts. In this collection, you will find artifacts from ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and paintings by French artists back in the 18th century. You will see everything raging from weaponry to tapestry and ceramics to stained glass which will not just assert Sir Burrell’s love for fine things but also give a glimpse into the kind of lifestyle that the wealthy had back in the days. The museum is also known to hold temporary exhibits and it may be a good idea to check what’s on the program before you visit. You may be lucky to be in time for exciting talks and workshops.
The Burrell Collection
Address: Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT, United Kingdom
Website: The Burrell Collection
5. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest public museum in Scotland. It is the unique home of the largest collection obtained outside Scotland’s national offerings. The collection was received by the University of Glasgow in 1783, and they range from geological and zoological to anatomical, anthropological, and archeological artifacts. Currently, most of the artifacts are sporadically distributed in multiple rooms within the university, with the most notable spots being The Zoology Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery.
The Hunterian Museum
Address: University of, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Website: The Hunterian Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
Learn about Scotland’s rich culture through art
Scotland has magnificent displays that best tell the story of its rich and vibrant past. The castles will teach you a lot, but if you want to dig deep, then you have every reason to head over to the museums. Consider these art museums in Glasgow to dig deep into the country’s rich culture.
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